FRODSHAM Music and Arts Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with a special concert programme featuring top class professional performers.
Among high profile performers is the UKís hottest gypsy jazz violinist Billy Thompson and his band performing on April 12
The club was founded in 1943, when it was difficult for people to travel to Liverpool and Manchester for quality entertainment. Its stated objectives at the outset were to promote and provide public concerts of a high standard during wartimeî – and that has continued well beyond 1945!
The First chairman was Dr Miles Wright Myers, vicar at St. Laurence Church. Concerts, lectures and illustrated talks were held in the former Frodsham Secondary Modern School and then the Manor School before the club moved to its current venue at Frodsham Community Centre when it opened in 1969.
This well-equipped facility, itself celebrating 50 years this October, enables the club to attract high calibre professional artists from an assortment of musical traditions.
At least 450 Friday evening club events have taken place over the past 75 years encompassing a wide range of musical entertainment from classical including soloists, orchestras, and choirs ñ to jazz, cabaret and art presentations, plus everything between.
Initially, events were held six times a year but this has now increased and they take place monthly between September and May. Members can attend up to nine events per season. The club is unusually successful and a rare survivor in its field due to an annual membership fee of just £15 which allows free event entry and produces a buoyant membership which, along with guests, results in large audiences. Numbers have increased significantly in recent years.
A spokesperson said: ”The club receives no regular external funding and has recently become a registered charity.
Musical outings and cultural holidays at home and abroad are also organised in association with the club.” Jane Mooney, membership secretary, (01928 731855) can provide further information.